*** Rick ain't waving that gun in your face for no reason. Do NOT read further if you want to remain unspoiled! ***

With the show really finding its feet towards the end of season 2 - arguably down to production tensions settling and a seasoned TV showrunner in Glenn Mazzara taking over control after the Darabont debacle - WALKING DEAD fans are chomping at the bit to find out whether the third season can live up to the promise of two's finale, BESIDES THE DYING FIRE.

Over the last few weeks we’ve had a super enthused cast take us behind the scenes (watch it HERE if you missed it), Danai Gurira cast as Michonne and revealed in this first pic HERE, and the equally eagerly awaited first look (HERE) at The Governor hit just a few days ago. Exciting times! …Well, as long as you discount the fact David Morrissey isn’t exactly a dead ringer for the character.

And now we have confirmation that, at long last, Michael Rooker will return as Merle Dixon! Boom. And don’t worry, Daryl’s not tripping balls again, it’s for realsies this time. Need proof? We got pics yo…

Couple of things to note: one, Merle’s got a snazzy new metal limb thingy after he did a SAW on himself in the first season, and two, that there looks like the same van seen behind The Governor in last week’s reveal. Looks like Dixon’s found a new crew to hang with…

THE WALKING DEAD returns to screens October 30th.

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